Nominal: The pinnacle of power began in the sixth province of Handong.

Chapter 135 Auditing Huilong Group

Gao Yuliang's words were like a wake-up call for Qi Tongwei.

Qi Tongwei quickly said that he would go back and report to Governor Zhu, expressing the Public Security Department's willingness to take the initiative to participate.

Gao Yuliang then said:

"Tongwei, now that you've become the vice governor, why aren't you as perceptive as before? If you were the former director of the Public Security Bureau, you certainly wouldn't have missed the opportunity to get close to Governor Zhu."

Qi Tongwei was so ashamed by what he was said that he couldn't say a word, and could only smile foolishly with his head down.

Seeing this, Gao Yuliang understood that it was best to stop there. Qi Tongwei had already taken root in his mind and heart, so there was no need to say more.

The master and apprentice discussed the future for a while before Qi Tongwei prepared to leave.

Before leaving, Gao Yuliang suddenly gave him some instructions:

"Tongwei, these are extraordinary times, and also a crucial period for you as you take on your new role. If Zhao Ruilong asks you to do anything, remember, remember, you must tell me first, and then make a decision after discussing it with him."

Qi Tongwei didn't understand why Zhao Ruilong would approach him at this time.

He had clearly severed ties with the Zhao family and successfully risen to the position of vice-provincial level official, with Xia Qing backing him up.

Zhao Ruilong probably doesn't have the guts, does he?

Even so, Qi Tongwei would not say these words aloud.

He only verbally agreed:

"Okay, teacher, I understand."

Watching Qi Tongwei's departing figure, Gao Yuliang felt uneasy.

……

The New Year is drawing ever closer.

Liu Xinjian, who was locked up in the anti-corruption bureau, was having a very boring time.

For so long, no one has interrogated him; it's as if they've forgotten about him.

The anti-corruption bureau, however, wouldn't let him go.

Liu Xinjian also received no intelligence from the outside world and could only sit idly in the anti-corruption bureau.

Little did they know that, under Chen Hai's leadership, the anti-corruption bureau, together with the procuratorate, had already launched a more effective investigation into the financial matters.

Liu Xinjian's personal testimony is rather insignificant.

If you don't want to speak, then don't.

This is the attitude Chen Hai is conveying.

As auditing and prosecution work in tandem, the investigations are becoming increasingly in-depth.

The major overseas companies registered in the offshore island area serve as the first natural firewall for oil and gas groups and mountain and water groups.

With the help of international judicial organizations, the whereabouts of the funds have finally been determined.

When Chen Hai received the results, he couldn't help but frown.

The enemy is too cunning.

He knew he had to inform Ling Jiang immediately and report to Zhu Zhichao.

Soon, the two arrived at Zhu Zhichao's office with the results of their investigation into the whereabouts of the funds.

After carefully reading the report, Zhu Zhichao also fell silent.

The office was completely silent.

The reason is simple, as the investigation results show.

These overseas companies collected exorbitant consulting fees, patent fees, and operating fees from oil and gas groups and Shanshui Group.

The money was entered into the company's accounts without any change.

Then, every ten days or so, they would purchase equipment, products, patents, or seek consulting or investment from international trading companies and special project investment management companies set up in financial free ports such as Hong Kong Island and Singapore.

Every transaction has a clear time record, trade voucher, and fund ledger, involving no fewer than a hundred companies.

The most troublesome thing is that these companies are all well-known, large companies with complete legal procedures, not shell companies in offshore jurisdictions.

After the funds were paid to these companies with good international reputations.

Once the money is deposited into the account, its subsequent flow is all disguised as legitimate and legal.

How it is used is an internal company matter and is confidential.

Outsiders have no right to know.

This has exceeded the scope that auditing capabilities can reach.

In other words, the investigation has reached this stage.

The trail went cold again.

Chen Hai asked tentatively:

"Could we only investigate where these companies' outward payments went?"

Ling Jiang shook his head with a wry smile:

"It's useless. Once the funds flow into the hands of these large companies, it's considered laundered. We have no right to investigate how they use their company's funds. Besides, even if they let us check their books, those are all their company's accounts. From investments of tens or hundreds of billions to a single dollar's worth of toilet paper in the company's restrooms, everything is recorded without a single discrepancy. If we really wanted to investigate, even if the entire auditing force of Handong were mobilized, it wouldn't be enough."

Zhu Zhichao also tried to find humor in his situation, saying:

"Director Ling only mentioned one company. Judging from where the funds went, they were paid to no fewer than a hundred companies."

Silence fell over the office again.

After a long while, Chen Hai suddenly thought of something and said:

"I have an idea: could we follow the example instead of tracing the flow of funds from the beginning, and instead trace the inflow of funds from the end point? What do you think?"

Zhu Zhichao instantly understood Chen Hai's meaning and murmured:

"No matter how far money laundering goes, it always ends up in the pocket of the company that wants to make money... Good, interesting, go on."

With this affirmation, Chen Hai felt more confident and continued his explanation:

"What we need to prove is that there are financial dealings between the oil and gas group and Huilong Group. Can we investigate the inflow of funds from Huilong Group? We should focus on the time, the names, and the people involved. As long as we find matching clues, we should continue to investigate. I think that if Huilong Group wants to make money, no matter how many times the money is laundered overseas, it will eventually return to its roots."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Zhichao slammed his hand on the table and exclaimed excitedly:

"What a wonderful idea of ​​'returning to one's roots'! Chen Hai, well said! Ling Jiang, I think this approach is feasible! What do you think?"

Ling Jiang thought about it carefully for a moment, then said in a deep voice:

"Theoretically feasible, it would save a lot of effort. But I need to report to Governor Zhu that before you came to Handong, Governor Liu intended to audit Huilong Group. However, at that time, Secretary Lichun was still in office, and auditing private enterprises requires extremely complicated procedures, so the higher-ups couldn't approve it, and the matter had to be abandoned. If we bring up Huilong Group again this time, I think it would be like declaring war directly, and we need to be mentally prepared."

Ling Jiang paused, then emphasized again:

"At the same time, this can be seen as tearing off the last fig leaf. Our audit work was not originally based on this. If we really do this, it would be like launching a direct attack on Huilong Group without any concealment."

"Can we really allow these parasites of the nation to continue sucking blood from the flesh of ordinary people?!" Zhu Zhichao stood up indignantly and declared.

"As long as it's technically feasible, go for it! Didn't Secretary Sha already state his position? Use all available resources to investigate thoroughly! Let's stop pretending, lay our cards on the table, and conduct a comprehensive and thorough audit of Huilong Group's cash inflows, simultaneously with the audit of the oil and gas group! Ling Jiang, can you handle this?"

Ling Jiang smiled and said:

"Governor, you underestimate me. Back then, I led my team through five consecutive nights of auditing work, and in the end, we uprooted a corrupt enterprise!"

"Alright! It's settled then!" Zhu Zhichao said, pointing at the two of them.

"Chen Hai, go back and stand by, and stay in touch with Ling Jiang at all times; Ling Jiang, prepare an application to conduct an audit of Huilong Group, and I will take it to the Standing Committee to request provincial approval!"

Chen Hai and Ling Jiang exchanged a glance, their faces filled with undisguised excitement, and said in unison:

"yes!"